Nurturing Wellbeing Through Reading and Books
By Ms King - Learning Resources Centre Manager
Wellbeing has become an increasingly important focus in recent years. We all look for ways to manage our emotions, find joy in everyday moments, and care for our mental health. Our mental health absolutely flourishes when we feel connected and valued.
One of the simplest, most meaningful ways is through reading.
The theme for this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is ‘This is My Place’- knowing that our sense of belonging as individuals, in our friendships, in school and in communities plays a vital role in our mental health and our wellbeing.
Talking about worries or problems can help us feel lighter and more understood. When we struggle to express our emotions, it can lead to frustration and this is why emotional awareness is key to keeping our mental health is its best condition. For instance-.
How are you feeling today? Can you articulate this?
How do you relax after a stressful day? Does it nourish you?
How do you express things that matter to you? Perhaps you write, talk, sing, dance…?
When do find writing helps you the most?
Books are far more than words on a page. They offer a wide range of benefits that extend well beyond literacy development.
Reading supports the growth of self-identity, encourages connection and collaboration with others, and nurtures curiosity. It strengthens critical thinking, builds socially conscious individuals, and boosts confidence and self-esteem. It fuels imagination, supports personal development, and lays the foundations for self-awareness.
Reading is a fundamental part of a rich education — and a powerful tool for nurturing our emotional wellbeing.
The Power of 10 Minutes
We know how busy life can be. Finding time to sit and read isn’t always easy. But even ten minutes of reading a day can make a meaningful difference to your:
- Happiness
- Emotional wellbeing
- Reading and writing skills
Those few minutes create a calm, connected moment in the day.
Books are written by people who may be just like you, or nothing like you at all. Each one carries its own way of seeing, thinking, and moving through the world. They offer fresh paths into understanding — new ways to connect with others, and deeper ways to connect with yourself.
Within their pages, you can slip into escape, wander across centuries, or step into places you’ve never stood. You can meet people you’ve never known, test ideas you’ve never tried, and explore lives you’ve never lived — all from the quiet safety of a story.
Open a book, and discover a different kind of journey…
A Final Thought
Just as we care for our physical health, we also need to nurture our mental health. Reading is a simple, joyful way to support emotional wellbeing while strengthening literacy skills.
